digital construction case study - pointfuse · 2019-02-11 · easy process. clash detection...
TRANSCRIPT
Digital Construction Case Study BIM Workflows with Skanska
Expanding the use of Clash Detection Analysis
Pointfuse’s unique and innovative 3D meshing solution means it is now possible to perform detailed clash detection
analysis comparing design information with real world scanned data. This proactive approach helps identify issues
before starting construction, preventing unnecessary delays and helping to deliver projects on time and on budget.
† O’Donnell & Naccarato, 2012. Clash
Detection in BIM Modelling. Associa-
tion of Construction & Development.
Clash detection analysis has become
a standard step in many BIM
workflows. By combining design data
from all parties, such as the structural
model with the MEP model, potential
design clashes can be identified and
rectified before a contractor arrives
onsite, preventing costly hold-ups. It
is estimated that each clash can cost
$17,000 to resolve once construction
has begun†, a cost which can quickly
multiply into millions on big budget
schemes.
With large potential savings, it makes
sense to extend this analysis to
include as-built models.
Pointfuse, a point cloud to mesh
conversion software, makes this
possible by automatically segmenting
mesh models into separable surfaces,
creating intelligent, 3D mesh models.
Features and objects are then easily
identified by their geometry and
textures, allowing them to be
selected, classified and exported into
common formats like IFC and FBX.
Performing this directly in Pointfuse
means only those features that are
required for the clash detection
analysis are exported. Eliminating
problematic noise and redundancy
has the dual benefit of minimizing the
number of falsely flagged clashes,
while reducing the working file size
still further.
Once exported, Pointfuse meshes
behave in a similar way to the design
data they are being combined with.
Clash detection analysis can therefore
be performed in exactly the same
way, in the same software packages,
such as Autodesk Navisworks. Where
a designed wall clashes with an
existing one, for example, the two
conflicting surfaces will be
highlighted, making it easy to identify
and group clashes, speeding up the
whole redesign process.
Complete Collaboration
Pointfuse’s new release allows users
to upload models directly to BIM 360,
Autodesk’s next generation project
delivery and construction
management platform. From there,
as-built models can be compared,
construction progress monitored,
with models available to be opened
with ease in a variety of desktop
software packages, directly from the
cloud. This creates an environment
built for complete collaboration, with
users able to view over 50 different file
formats, quickly share 2D and 3D
models and review designs in real
time on any mobile device. This
makes BIM available at anytime,
anywhere and to anyone, helping
better decisions to be made and
eliminating costly delays, by ensuring
all parties are up-to-date and involved
at every stage.
The project, located on Fenchurch
Street, to the east of the City of
London, comprises the design and
construction of a 15 storey building,
containing office and retail space.
Working to a tight deadline, Skanska
commissioned SES Ltd to perform a
laser scan of the site following
demolition of the previous structure,
which they delivered as a point cloud
in Autodesk Recap format. To perform
a quick clash detection in some key
areas, the raw point cloud was taken
into Autodesk Revit, which proved to
be a slow and difficult task, not a
suitable solution to scale up to the
whole project.
Instead, Skanska LSE decided to
process the data in Pointfuse. Once
complete, the working data was
reduced from a 12GB point cloud,
down to just a 70MB intelligent mesh
model. It was then easy to open the
model in Autodesk Navisworks to
quickly perform a thorough clash
detection analysis, saving time and
money.
The Workflow Pointfuse can be introduced into an existing BIM workflow, with a minimal learning curve and immediate efficiencies.
This is because Pointfuse is easy to use, has industry standard output formats, and, once set up, the conversion is
completely automatic, requires no human interaction, so saves on valuable man hours. Using Pointfuse to extend
clash detection analysis will, therefore, be a beneficial addition to any BIM workflow.
Pointfuse reduced the working data size by 99.4% to 70MB.
Pointfuse in Practice Skanska LSE have successfully implemented Pointfuse into a project
workflow, having identified its potential to make savings.
Reality Capture
Pointfuse can process point cloud
data from any source, including
airborne LIDAR and photogrammetry,
as well as terrestrial and handheld
scanners. With easy to understand, in-
built processing profiles, the whole
process is completely de-skilled,
meaning users of any level of
experience can quickly achieve high
quality results.
Segmented Mesh Model
Pointfuse automatically converts
point clouds into high fidelity,
intelligent 3D mesh models, with
discrete, selectable surfaces. These
meshes can be easily classified within
Pointfuse, meaning only those
regions which are most useful are
exported, reducing file sizes and
making clash detection a quick and
easy process.
Clash Detection
Pointfuse offers the ability to upload
meshes directly into BIM 360, for
quick and easy collaboration with
other project stakeholders. Once
uploaded, or exported in FBX or IFC
formats, the meshes retain their
classification hierarchy, making them
an effective tool within BIM
Coordination software, such as
Autodesk BIM 360 Docs.